“For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
Battles are messy. Blood is shed and people can lose their lives on the battlefield, fighting for what they believe to be right. There is always a commander and chief who leads his men into battle. He is the one who develops a strategy to defeat the enemy. Next; he makes his plans known, to those who will fight the battle. His men must fight in unity.
Spiritual battles are won and lost through prayer. When we don’t know what to do, our eyes need to be fixed on the Lord our God. He is our Commander and Chief. He longs to direct our steps and order our path. If our God is for us, who can be against us?
How many battles have you fought in your own strength; without seeking any direction from your Commander and Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ? Fighting spiritual battles without any direction from the Lord Jesus, leads to discouragement and disappointment with God. If you try to fight your battles in your own strength, you may find yourself waving a white flag in the end. There are hundreds of earthly battles to be fought in prayer. Here are a few examples:
1. Battle for the mind. We are tempted to think on things other than: Philippians 4:8
“Whatever is pure, whatsoever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
There are times, when we pray, we fail to practice, “taking every thought captive, to the obedience of Christ.” Our faith quivers and quakes. We must refuse to pray in doubt but pray boldly, believing our God hears and will answer. Refuse to be consumed with the harsh realities of your circumstances.
2. Battle for your children’s souls. If we would spend as much time in prayer for our children, as we do fretting over them, we would be amazed at the outcome.
Lamentations 2:19 says:
“Pour out your hearts like water before the face of the Lord, to lift up your hands toward Him, for the lives of your little ones.”
3. Battle to stand up for righteousness and stand against unrighteousness. We must decide ahead of time to fight courageously, with the truth of God’s Word. Pray His Word over the person or the circumstance. It is the most powerful weapon, as we do battle in prayer.
Hebrews 4:12 says:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
4. Battle to stand strong, in the midst of adversity on your job, in your family, in your neighborhood, or possibly in your church. As you pray; remember, you need not fight this battle (alone) “Stand and see the salvation of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:10 says:
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
5. Battle to pray and not faint. It’s easy to give up, when our long time prayers seem to be to no avail. We begin to ask as David, how long oh Lord?
Luke 18:1 says:
“They ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
Never give up; on praying those “fervent, effectual prayers that avail much.” God is with you. He will answer in His time and in His way. The battle is the Lord’s. Precious reader, ask someone to join you; as you do battle in prayer, under the direction of your Commander and Chief.
Prayer in Motion:
Lord, may I pray and faint not. May I be strong in You, as I pray fervent, effectual prayers that avail much. God, I trust You with my prayers and may I only pray in a way that pleases you. In the strong Name of Jesus, I make my petitions to the One who hears every prayer. In Jesus Name. Amen
